Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
Charles Wright (born April 6, 1940) is a Los Angeles–based soul and funk musician and bandleader best known as the founder and frontman of Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. The group’s 1970 hit “Express Yourself” became a defining West Coast funk anthem—later reintroduced to new generations through sampling and pop culture.
- Origin: Los Angeles, California
- Genres: Soul, funk, R&B
- Most famous song: “Express Yourself” (1970)
- Other notable tracks: “Do Your Thing”, “Love Land”, “Till You Get Enough”
- Why they matter: Tight grooves, West Coast funk feel, and a huge legacy in sampling culture
The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band blended gritty soul vocals with crisp guitar, bass, horns, and drums—funky but melodic, danceable but still rooted in R&B. Their records sit in the sweet spot between Southern soul intensity and West Coast groove.
“Express Yourself” is built on an unforgettable groove and a message that still lands. The band also scored with deep‑cut funk and long‑form jams that DJs and producers love for their feel and break‑friendly sections.
- “Express Yourself” (1970) – signature anthem
- “Do Your Thing” – extended groove classic
- “Love Land” – soulful, melodic side
- “Till You Get Enough” – tight funk drive
The Watts sound traveled far beyond its original era. “Express Yourself” was famously sampled by N.W.A in 1988, helping bridge classic funk into the modern hip‑hop timeline. Their grooves remain a go‑to reference point for producers chasing a warm, human pocket.
Scroll sideways to see more photos.
